New Zealand to bring new immigration law

Hamilton: New Zealand will put in place a new law from next month to curb unauthorised entry of foreigners.

According to the new law which comes into effect from November 29, education providers enrolling those students who are not entitled to study here would face increased penalties, said Immigration New Zealand.

Education providers that have online application systems will need to update their norms and it is also important that overseas students always need to hold a visa that allows them to undertake their proposed course of study, it said.

Under the new law, children who are unlawfully in New Zealand - such as of overstayers - will be able to attend schools.

The single term "visa" will be used to authorise a foreigner to travel and stay in New Zealand. Terms such as "permit" and "exemption" will no longer be used.

Richard Howard, an immigration adviser, said: "New Zealanders wanting to sponsor a visitor will face increased risk and responsibility under changes made to the immigration law.”

"Sponsors of temporary migrants will from next month be responsible not only for their visitor`s accommodation and food, but for all other costs, including medical, deportation and any government costs incurred".